Summary Poetry - "Namaqualand after rain" IEB Matric English

English Poetry: Namaqualand after rain

Biographical information: William Plomer

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Meaning and Message

 We are reminded that life finds a way to survive and renew itself even in the harshest
conditions
 Looking at the annual transformation of the arid, 'semi-desert' of Namaqualand into a
blanket of flowers
 The appreciation of South Africa's natural beauty and 'awe inspiring' scenery and wildlife




Title
 Namaqualand translates to land of the khoi khoi (native tribe in South Africa)
 A desert region in the north west of South Africa and south west Namibia
 Extends 1000 kms along the West coast of South Africa
 For most of the year it is an arid, barren desert but rains in July/August brings
flowers
 The rain is a catalyst for growth/new life/relief
 The title established place and time
 Reinforces the main message
 Celebration of beauty and rejuvenating power of nature
 Symbolic of rebirth and end of period of drought/harsh conditions


Stanza 1
Alliteration:

 Shows how full the earth is of rain

Lines 1:

 "again": Underlines a dramatic statement or opening, the event has happened before
 The land is being brought back to life

Lines 2:

 "Imbued" : to saturate
 "lyric": Its light, beautiful, sweet, calm, melodic, pleasant, flowing
 The rain has soaked into the soil and changed the environment completely